Open Arms
In my distress I called to the Lord . . . . My cry came to his ears.
2 Samuel 22:7
Saydee and his family have an “open arms and open home” philosophy. People are always welcome in their home, “especially those who are in distress,” he says. That’s the kind of household he had growing up in Liberia with his nine siblings. Their parents always welcomed others into their family. He says, “We grew up as a community. We loved one another. Everybody was responsible for everybody. My dad taught us to love each other, care for each other, protect each other.”
When King David was in need, he found this type of loving care in God. Second Samuel 22 (and Psalm 18) records his song of praise to God for the ways He had been a refuge for him throughout his life. He recalled, “In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears” (2 Samuel 22:7). God had delivered him from his enemies, including King Saul, many times. He praised God for being his fortress and deliverer in whom he took refuge (vv. 2-3).
While our distresses may be small in comparison to David’s, God welcomes us to run to Him to find the shelter we long for. His arms are always open. Therefore we “sing the praises of [His] name” (v. 50).
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
God, I’m grateful You’ve always been and will always be my secure place to land.
When has God been your refuge? How can you help someone else run to Him?
Your gift changes lives. Help us share God’s love with millions every day.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Second Samuel 22 is nearly identical to Psalm 18. This psalm celebrates David’s deliverance and military victories, giving God all the credit, and may also have been used more generally to celebrate other military victories. Psalm 18 is one of a group of psalms often labeled “royal psalms” (others include Psalms 2; 20; 21; 45; 72; 89; 101; 110; 132), each of which draws a connection between an earthly king’s reign and God’s own reign over the universe. Monica La Rose
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